THE JOINERS’ 50th anniversary year continues on Friday with two of Southampton’s biggest bands.

Joint headliners Bel Esprit and Costellos are no strangers to the St Mary Street music venue having topped the bill or supported some of the biggest touring bands there.

Now both acts are back after taking their version of the Southampton sound around the country.

Last week Bel Esprit front man Billy Herklots, guitarist Fahad Siddiqui, rhythm guitarist Huw Edwards, bassist George Wardley and drummer Sachin Croker supported hotly-tipped Swindon band Yves in London. Now the lads are set to hit the road again and release a follow-up to last record Follow The Sun.

“Our next single will be out in six weeks’ time when we’ll also announce the dates and venues for our first UK headline tour” Farad told The Daily Echo.

Costellos’ singer George Dummett, guitarist Keiren Pearce, bassist Kieran Wilson and drummer Tomi Lewis also have big plans for 2018. After the success of recent single Say they’ll headline in Bristol next month before joining rising stars Fickle Friends and The Big Moon at Winchestival festival on June 16.

The lads supported Radio 1 stars The Sherlocks at The 1865 in September and sold out Heartbreakers in December. Support comes from Southampton’s Tom Millichamp and Kicks.

By Richard Derbyshire